Welcome to York Makers

Our goal at York Makers is to provide Artisans from across York Region, Ontario with opportunities to grow their businesses, showcase their products and gain exposure in the local economy. This goal is achieved by producing juried art markets, facilitating artist led DIY workshops and giving back to the community.

Author: Ariane

A lot of Makers are “multi-crafty”, meaning they have more than one Etsy Shop, or more than one medium that they craft in and Jess from “Jess Made This” and “GemPotsCo.” is no different.. Read on to see what her talents are and how she keeps things in check..

Please tell us a bit about yourself and one interesting fact.

Hi! I’m Jessica. I’ve always loved making crafts and I think it’s pretty cool that my business involves a lot of making! I make party decorations (especially banners) for my shop JessMadeThis. I make concrete pots for my shop GemPotsCo. And I make digital prints for my shop MaudAndJane. I’ve been selling my banners on Etsy since 2009, but I just opened my other two shops this year – and I’m pretty excited about growing them.

What is the story behind your business name?

(Way) back in 2009, I chose the name JessMadeThis for my first Etsy shop because I was used to hearing my family and friends say “Jess made this” when speaking about some little crafty thing I had made for them. I also didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to sell online – so that shop name seemed like it could fit just about anything. Over the years I’ve thought about changing it to something more specific, but I can never bring myself to do it. Plus, it’s been a really useful social media handle lately since it can encompass everything I make now and anything else I might do in the future.

Describe your work-space and your top tools are.

I have a good-sized office-style desk that’s been handling my craft projects since I was about 8 years old. I like having my tools nearby, so I have storage on the wall in front of my desk (right now I’m using pieces of the Martha Stewart wall manager system). My paper and string and everything else are on bookshelves behind me. I keep my concrete pot making supplies out in the garage. It’s too messy to make them inside. I just bought a small electric heater so I should be good to go out there in the Winter.

Do you receive many custom orders and if so, how much input do clients have?

Almost all of my banners are customized – typically by colour. I have a colour chart attached to most of my listings that clients can look at and select from before checking out. I also get requests for custom text, different fonts, images, etc. I try my best to make whatever the client is asking. Sometimes there’s a lot of back and forth before the banner is made and shipped out. It’s always rewarding to have a happy customer though.

Any advice for a new Handcrafted Maker who is setting up a shop?

I would say, wherever possible, make duplicates of things. I’ve learned that re-selling the same item on Etsy builds momentum for that listing and can help it sell over and over again.

Do you have other hobbies?

I like to find and collect vintage things! My favourite collection is my Barbies from the 1960s. I love finding vintage Christmas ornaments and I recently started a Pyrex collection too. I decided to stick to one design (“butterprint”) because it’s such a pretty turquoise blue colour. So far I only have 3 bowls, but I’m still pretty proud of them. Haha!

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a creative business owner?

Time management can be tricky. It would be great to spend all day making things, but there are many other things to think about. I always have to-do lists reminding me to order supplies or list new products. It’s also not hard to start scrolling on Instagram or browsing Etsy and realize 10 minutes (or more) have gone by. That’s when I need a bell or something to go off to remind me to get back to work. Otherwise, I’ll be making banners at like 9:00 PM instead of doing something else I’d rather be doing at that time – like watching Once Upon a Time on Netflix 🙂

Make sure to follow Jess on social media as you never know what she’ll be up to next!

There are few products that make me as happy as using a natural bar of soap – The silky bubbles of a handcrafted bar of soap are incomparable to a mass manufactured bar and Natalie seems to have nailed the chemistry of her products, they are nothing short of bathing perfection!

Read on below to find out more about Natalie and why she does what she does…

Please tell us a bit about yourself and one interesting fact.

I’m a resident of Georgina and live close to Lake Simcoe. I love jogging down to the lake and have been working on my endurance to run a successful 5k. Even though I went to school for International Business and work in the financial industry full time. That being said, I devote most of my free time to creating natural skincare products! I hope to make this a full time endeavor one day. I prefer being outdoors to indoors and love spending time in nature. I love gardening and growing new varieties of plants and have a Certificate of Horticulture from the University of Guelph.

Where did your business idea come from?

I was reading about the side effects of steroid creams while treating persistent eczema and started researching natural products as an alternative. A friend gave me a tube of calendula cream from a local health food store and within a few weeks of using it I noticed a significant improvement! I started learning about herbal remedies for eczema and other skin conditions and it dawned on me that I had a ton of calendula & chamomile already growing in my herb garden and could create natural skincare products myself. I started off making my own infusions and making creams. Then I took on the challenge of learning all about cold-process soap making! Natural soaps are definitely the focus of my product line as I enjoy the soap making process so much.

Do you receive many custom orders and if so, how much input do clients have?

Yes, I love custom orders! Especially creating soap favours for baby showers and small to medium size weddings. Customers are able to customize the colours and scents of soaps using natural colourants and essential oils. I gather information from the bride and groom and help them choose combinations of colours and scents that suit their style and vision.

I also create custom soaps for different skin types! Each client gets to customize a blend of oils, clays and natural ingredients that is made for their specific needs and skin type.

Do you have a home studio or do you work at another location?

I am lucky to have a spare bedroom in my home that I converted to a home studio/workshop where I formulate all my products.

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a creative business owner?

My goal to is live a balanced and mindful life that focuses on mind, body and spirit. Finding Balance can be challenging with a full time career (9-5 and then some), operating Naturally Natalie, making time for family and friends, finding time to focus on my own wellness, exercise and travel can be challenging. I am so grateful for the the loyalty and constant demand from my customers! That is the inspiration and motivation to keep me creating !

Did you take classes to learn the skills you utilize or are these self taught practices of trial and error?

A mix of both. I had recently completed a certificate in Horticulture from the University of Guelph and had many years of gardening experience which I learned up from Mom. At first, I researched and experimented with soapmaking on my own and then in 2015 I enrolled in a natural cosmetics making certificate program and learned to perfect soap making.

Make sure you check out Natalie’s social channels for some great body care ideas!

You know your final destination, but do you know how to get there? Goal setting is a BOR-ING task but oh so necessary if you want to actually get to the finish line of any dream.

You’ve most likely heard the common way to set goals is to make sure they’re “SMART” goals… (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely) but the problem with those types of goals is that I get caught up with making sure the goals I set actually meet this criteria! LOL!!

The way that I set my goals to be achieved is to break them down into bite sized (or action based) pieces. Starting from the END result, work your way backwards.

Take photos
– Set up backdrop
– Ensure lighting is adequate
– make sure all items are clean/ironed
– Edit photos if necessary

Come up with pricing (based on time & costs)
– Figure out timing
– Calculate costs
– Combine both factors to come up with pricing

Upload to Etsy Shop
– Go through all the steps to add your listing to your shop.

Wait for the “Cha-Ching” Sound 😉

Notice that each one of these tasks has a list of tasks in and of itself, this is the important part of setting goals as it makes the process not so overwhelming. The hardest part of goal setting is indeed the fact that it generally becomes too daunting and ends up falling by the wayside.

You can add dates and times to these if you want to be held accountable, but I find that adding dates and times doesn’t really help me. The bottom line is to make things as simple as they can be – you don’t have time (nor the want) for things to be overly complicated, but you do have to get stuff done so that you can move your business forward.

Do you have a system of goal setting that you use? Share in the comments so we can all be productive together 😉

Journaling has always been a great way to calm your mind, release stress and just keep memories intact. Sure there are some great mass produced journals out there but have you ever seen a beautifully handcrafted journal? Allow me to introduce you to Eve and her Business – Lost Book.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and one interesting fact.

I’m a mom of three older children, and married to my love.

I have always loved books, reading, and writing. I would stay up late and sneak-read my latest novel (usually fantasy fiction). Now my teens do the same! In school, I found nothing more exhilarating than a stack of blank paper with which to pour out creativity. I like that I can recreate that for others.

Where did your business idea come from?

I’ve journaled since I was 13. It was really hard to find creative journals with covers that inspired! I started recovering my journals. Then I wanted pages to match the covers, so I learned how to bind. And since you can only keep so many….

How Does your work reflect your personality and overall approach to life?

I think my love of books and fantasy shows up on my journal covers and pens. I love to upcycled objects and add small fitting details to my work. The mystery/adventure kits involve my love of storytelling in an involving and creative way. I also love how things are done in the old days. This the quill and inks were a great, applicable edition to our store.

How do you balance parenthood with your business?

I have always struggled with this. Many times I’ve not gotten the balance right. I’ve even tried to stop crafting but I’ve realized that it’s part of who I am. My kids are teens now making it easier to manage my time, but they still need me and so does my hubby. I try to set designated times to focus on them. I take breaks from crafting and tackle housework. I take days off for fun times with them. They in turn try to involve themselves more in my crafting too: they come to shows, help me load items, listen to me obsess about the whole process, and love me in spite of me.

What would you say has been your biggest learning curve since beginning your business?

I think I’m still learning it, haha! Creating is natural, but the business end of things is harder. It’s like having two jobs: one to make things and one to sell them. I like them both, actually. I especially like the one on one interaction with customers at shows.

Where do you get inspiration for developing new products?

I get new ideas everywhere! Trying to keep up with them is the problem. Customers give me new ideas, found objects inspire new thoughts, yesteryear and it’s fascinating gadgets, nature, and need. Once I made journals, I needed to write in them. I was dissatisfied with the random pens in the house to write in my nice journal, so I created new lines of pens: the bead pen, the metal pen, the different styles of feather pens, and the authentic quill and ink.

How long does the average item take for you to create?

My journals take anywhere from 1.5 hours on up. The classic book journals usually take 1 hour whereas the metal journals (made from upcycled pop cans) can take 2-3 hours or more. Sometimes the creative ideas come quickly and other times, it takes a while to get the creative juices flowing.

I dreamed that I was in an old bookshop, desperately looking for one specific book (which I had no idea what it was-I’d know it once I saw it). Finally, I found it! It was the last and rare and tattered copy of the Bible. Definitely a lost book in our society and a treasure beyond compare.

Can you describe your process and how long it takes to produce a piece?

The metal journal:

Find an upcycled book cover in the color I desire. Cut out the pages (these are also upcycled).

Tape the inside binding.

Select, wash out, and cut a pop can to lay flat. Choose a design to emboss. Either emboss by machine or by hand.

Glue into book with end pages, add details. Sometimes I guild the page edges and distress the book edges.

Add business sticker and price tag.

Photograph and list online.

Describe your work-space and your top tools are.

I am slowly talking over our basement! I have 4 work tables, and a sewing/printing room. I hope to turn the third room into a small shop to sell locally. In my studio, creativity= mess. I usually spend the first few minutes of my day reorganizing before diving back into it.

Do you receive many custom orders and if so, how much input do clients have?

I receive some custom orders which the customer has much freedom to input. I do have a knack for fitting a product to the client, though and appreciate it when clients value my creative input as well.

Do you ever make anything for yourself?

Yes, but not enough. I often snag a journal or pen when I need it but rarely just make one for me. I make other things in the house like handmade soap (yes, we crafters are usually creative in multiple fields!).

Do you have a favourite designer? Who is it and why?

Most of the designs that catch my eye are eclectic. Tim Holtz of the scrapbooking world has great style. Another inspiring artist is Tammy Kushnir who published The Elemental Journal.

Any advice for a new Handcrafted Maker who is setting up a shop?

The hardest thing to overcome is your own despair/discouragement. Look at what things are selling on the market today. Some of them are crap! And they’re selling! If they can do it, then there’s no reason that your beautiful creative ideas can’t sell even better!

What is your bestselling item? Why do you think it is the most popular?

My best-selling item are my creative journals. These are journals made from upcycled book covers and found objects to make a whole new look. I believe these are most popular both for the new finished lol but also for the creative ways old objects are used (a broken earring and piece of metal, a shell and beach glass). There’s also nostalgia attached with these objects.

Are you managing wholesale accounts and attending markets alongside your direct sales? If so, how do you balance your work day?

I’m not currently doing wholesale but I am attendant markets. Truth be told, you can only direct your focus one way, fully. So during market season, my online shop slows down a bit. My hope is to generate enough business via shows that I can do mostly online business in the future.

Do you have a home studio or do you work at another location?

I work at home. It can be distracting some days, but honestly I need to be distracted out of myself and my work. I can be entirely too focused, haha!

Do you have other hobbies?

Writing (I’ve got one fantasy fiction manuscript done and an working on the sequel), knitting, spinning yarn….

Do you do this full time? If not, how do you balance your day?

I consider it a flexible full time. I have chronic pain that prohibits me from work outside of the home, so here I can manage my time around my health and my family’s needs.

What has been the most challenging aspect of being a creative business owner?

Lack of startup funds, having to dig up info on how to sell online (no money for all those advertising to make you rich online!).

What do you hope to accomplish in the next year? No limits! Where would you like your business to go?

My hopes are to be able to make more sales online, repeat sales, newsletter. I’m hoping to do more shows next year and streamline that whole process. It would be lovely to be more publicly and locally recognised, for sure. Also, I hope to have my in house store, up and running.

Red or White?

Red! All that I do creatively involves colours: bright vivid colors. I think I’m part magpie or something, lol.

Come visit Eve at our Made in Canada Market on September 23rd or pop by and give her social channels some love!

Looking for comfy cozy home decor? Look no further than the nearest “Blue Lake & Rocky Shore” 😉 Read on to learn all about Jillian and her company…

Please tell us a bit about yourself and one interesting fact.

I live in Richmond Hill, Ontario with my husband, two kids and two dogs. Before I had my children, I worked in the IT field in downtown Toronto. After becoming a mother, I decided that I really didn’t want to return to that career, with the commute and the long hours. I started really getting into sewing many years ago, and decided that I’d like to try and make a living doing what I love. I initially started doing alterations for people in my neighbourhood, but soon decided that I needed a better creative outlet. After coming up with many design ideas for decor products, I decided to take the plunge and start making my own designs to sell to others.

I grew up on a lake in Northern Ontario, and as a result, am continually inspired by the landscape of the Great Canadian Shield. I love creating items that remind of me the outdoors and of being at the cottage (or “camp” for us Sudburians!) I’ve lived in Southern Ontario for many years now, but I still like creating items that remind me of home.

How do you balance parenthood with your business?

Working out of my home has been great in allowing me to be available to my kids when they’re not in school. I can set my own hours and work when it’s convenient for me. My kids are older now – 18 and 14, so it’s not the kind of hands-on parenting that younger children require, but I still want to be here for them. Before my daughter got her driver’s license, it was great to be able to chauffeur her and my son to all of their after school activities. If I’d been working a typical 9-5 job, that wouldn’t have been possible. This business has allowed me a lot of flexibility, for which I’m grateful.

My daughter is set to move away for school in September, but my son will still be here and I feel very lucky that I can be around when he gets home from school every day.

Do you have a favourite item in your store?

I think my favourite item would have to be the Lumberjack Pillow Cover. It’s red and black buffalo plaid flannel, and it’s made to look like a buttoned-up flannel shirt. The buttons have moose on them, for an even more outdoorsy look. I called it the Lumberjack because the flannel shirt look reminded me of what a lumberjack might wear to chop down trees. Because it’s flannel, it’s soft and cozy, just like a good flannel shirt should be.

What is the story behind your business name?

My business name, Blue Lake & Rocky Shore, comes from a line in an old Canadian classic song, called, “Land of the Silver Birch.”

The song goes as follows:

Land of the silver birch

Home of the beaver

Where still the mighty moose wanders at will

Blue lake and rocky shore

I will return once more…

Can you describe your process and how long it takes to produce a piece?

I keep a sketch book handy and I am constantly drawing pictures of the ideas that pop into my head. Usually when I get a new idea, I’ll spend some time drawing different versions of it, until I find one that I think will work. Then I make a prototype. Sometimes I’ll have fabric already that works for what I want to make. Otherwise I’ll get what I need and start cutting and sewing. Sometimes I think I’ll be making one thing, and then during the process, I change it into something else. Maybe I was going to make a 14″ x 14″ square pillow, but then I decide to make a bolster instead. How long it takes entirely depends of how intricate the design is. Products with appliqués take much longer than those without. Once I’ve finished sewing, I’ll decide if it needs anything else – trim or buttons or some other detail. Once I’m satisfied with how it looks, I make note of the design elements and keep all of these in a pattern file on my computer.

Describe your work-space and your top tools are.

My work space used to be a combination of my kitchen and dining room. I used to keep all of my materials upstairs in my master bedroom and my current projects spread out on my dining room table. I would haul my sewing machine into my kitchen each day to work. Needless to say, this was not very convenient!

Last fall, we had our basement finished and I now have a whole big section of it as a dedicated work space. I turned the unused space under the stairs into a closet where I store pillow forms and shelves of fabrics. It’s great to be able to close the door and not have all of that clutter out in the open. I have a sewing table, and big storage hutch and a nice, big cutting table. Most days I’m down in my studio working, listening to music or podcasts (true crime are my faves!) It’s such a pleasure to have this space to work in.

My top tool is of course my sewing machine! I also love my rotary cutter and mat. They make straight cuts a breeze.

Do you receive many custom orders and if so, how much input do clients have?

I receive many custom orders and clients typically have as much input as they’d like. I recently made new couch cushions for someone’s cottage, and she chose the fabric herself. Sometimes people will ask me to make a personalized blanket for a baby or child, and other than telling me the child’s name, they leave the design up to me. Or sometimes they’ll give me an idea as to the room’s theme, or something the child really likes, and then I’ll take it from there.

I’ve also made a few memory quilts. In those cases, the clients handed over their items and didn’t see them again until the quilt was complete. I think they liked the surprise.

Do you ever make anything for yourself?

I try to sneak in a few projects for myself once in awhile. I used to make clothes for myself pretty regularly, but I’m too busy for that now. Being tall, it was great for me to be able to make things that actually fit me properly. Usually if I have a little time for a personal project, it’ll end up being something for one of my children. One tradition we have is that I make them pyjamas every year for Christmas.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I’m a swimmer and have been swimming with the Richmond Hill Masters for the past 14 years. Not only is it a great workout, but we’re a very social group and I’ve made amazing friendships with my fellow swimmers. I am also an avid reader and have belonged to a book club for the past 13 years. As much as I love reading, it’s really the other women in the book club that make it so much fun. My favourite thing to do on a Friday night is to binge watch whatever series I’m currently into on Netflix. I especially like the Nordic noir shows from countries like Sweden and Denmark. I also love British mysteries – whether in television or book form.

And of course spending time with my family is number one!

Trail hike or lake swim?

Definitely lake swim! I had the wonderful privilege of growing up on a beautiful lake in the city of Sudbury, called Long Lake. Every day in the summer I was in the lake, swimming with friends. We had a peddle boat that my best friend and I would take on adventures down the lake. In winter, my father would shovel a huge rink on it and flood it with the hose to make it smooth for skating. We’d also snowmobile and cross-country ski on Long Lake. My bedroom faced the lake and at night, I’d fall asleep to the sounds of the water. I can’t imagine a better place to live than on a lake. Trail hikes are nice, but lake swims are the best!

Come meet Jillian at our Made in Canada Market on September 23, or check her out online at

I am a down to earth person. Nature, is one of the most meaningful things to me. When I connect to nature, I am alive and inspired.

Where did your business idea come from?

I started 9Senses in 2015 to share my passion for products that comfort the body and mind.

I’m a mother of two beautiful girls who inspire me everyday. One of my daughters as it so happens is on the Autism spectrum and is a sensory seeker, meaning she is very sensitive to stimulation from her environment.

To help her, I spent countless hours learning to make natural, soothing products that she would find comforting. I started with handmade soaps, and then branched out into other bath and body products.

Like many other entrepreneurs, 9Senses started as a part-time passion project. However, I’ve found that many other people in my community of Maple, Ontario (and beyond!) enjoy my products and I’m now fortunate enough to make 9Senses my full-time life’s work.

Family is very important to me. That’s why it’s such a joy that my two daughters and husband work alongside me to build 9Senses into a values-driven business that touches the lives of more and more people every year.

How does your work reflect your personality and overall approach to life?

I am a people person. Love to meet new people, hear about their stories.

I do connect with parents about their everyday difficulties. I get such a good sense of accomplishment when parents share how much help their kids get from my weighted items.

If I contribute to make a positive difference on these kids life’s my day is great. Working always to make a smile at the time.

What would you say has been your biggest learning curve since beginning your business?

Learning about the best markets to go to. Reaching people who appreciates handmade and natural products. Making a lot of items for inventory on the slow down time. There is always room for improvement. Test and retest all items.

Where do you get inspiration for developing new products?

In addition to providing quality bath and body products, 9Senses sells products that strive to improve the quality of life of young people on the Autistic spectrum. These include weighted sensory therapy products such as blankets and lap pads.

My goal is to make these available to children who need them and to make a positive difference in their lives. From every sale of sensory therapy products, I will donate 5% of the proceeds to Autism York Region Chapter.

Describe your work-space and your top tools are.

My work space is a bit tight now. As I am growing I decided that is time to renew my basement and make it 9Senses studio only.

From an industrial and regular sewing to 2 big assembling tables lots of shelf’s for supplies I do need more room to fully use my time.

What is your bestselling item? Why do you think it is the most popular?

My charcoal soap has been my best seller for the past year. Charcoal is very popular these days and people loves the results of the soap bar.

9Senses Flaxseed & Lavender heat-able neck pillows are always a good seller as well. Nowadays everybody has the need to relax and support for that neck and shoulder tension.

Also my weighted items are starting to be very popular. More and more people are coming to buy or just get my information to share with their families or friends. Sadly but more and more families are affected by autism everyday.

A vacation relaxing on the beach, or exploring the local culture?

At the moment I would love a relaxing vacation on a white sand beach with my family.

Nothing relaxing me better than the sound of the sea the turquoise of the water, the sun. All of that is a great source of inspiration as well.

You can find Mila’s calming creations at our Made in Canada Market on September 23 or visit her social channels!

Have you ever looked at something and thought “How the heck did they do that?!” Well, Alice of Lovely Element will make you think that for ALL of her creations! A paper-crafter Extraordinaire, Alice takes Origami to the next level! Take a read below to find out more about her wizardry 😉

Please tell us a bit about yourself and one interesting fact.

I have been a crafty person since I could remember as a kid. During my spare time I like to work on different kinds of craft projects that involve sewing, paper craft, drawing, fashion design, computer learning and more.

Where did your business idea come from?

The Origami crane symbolizes peace, long life, good luck, prosperity, love & joy. In 2010, my special year, we used origami crane as our wedding theme. I used fabric material to fold paper cranes for table centre pieces. I also made tiny paper cranes and placed them into small glass bottles as wedding favours to our guests. Since then I got more ideas on making tiny little cranes and putting them into small glass vials and making them into wearable pieces. Two years later Lovelyelement Origami Shop was born.

What was your inspiration to start selling your creations?

The reason why I really started selling online was because of my dad. He was a knowledgeable person and also a maker. He used to work in accounting, tailoring, and toy design. He had a factory for plastic toys where he made his own designs, toy moulds, and produced them. Growing up I always thought one day, I have to make things I love and enjoy and be like my dad to start my own business. I also enjoy the feeling when people talking about my work. The feeling outweighs the final end product.

Do you have a favourite item in your store?

The micro origami lucky paper stars necklace is my favourite piece. It took me the longest time to create and finish. Each paper star is made from 1 mm wide origami paper and I have to make sure 6 stars are all the same size and shape. If any of them look like they do not match with the other paper stars, I will re-do it. I love to have a clear finish for each paper star and a perfect fit for each glass vial.

Any advice for a new Handcrafted Maker who is setting up a shop?

I would say good photos of items / products, use good keywords and be unique.

Do you have a home studio or do you work at another location?

Currently I have a home studio / office to make my items and also prepare all shipping packages.

Ice Cream or Cake?

I love cakes especially Japanese cheesecake and green tea million crepe cake.

Find Alice’s amazing paper-work at our Made in Canada Market on September 23rd or you can follow her on all of her social channels.

I LOVE felt creations and am always excited to find a new and interesting thing that can be made of felt.. Hila of Liliput Kingdom takes felt to a whole new level with her animals and food items! Read on to find out more about Hila and her creatures.

Please tell us a bit about yourself and one interesting fact.

I’m 38 yeas old, live in the lovely quite town of Richmond Hill, enjoying the sun and the flowers after a long winter. As a new comer the weather is quite challenging 🙂 I have been working with babies and toddlers for almost 20 years. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Anthroposophy and Science. And I love what I do!

One interesting fact – The meaning of my name is the light around the moon. And also like aura. I love my name and the connection to the nature it holds.

Where did your business idea come from?

While studying Anthroposophy, I did a lot of crafting and I began to sew and knit for my pleasure. At first I sewed for friends , birthday gifts and slowly the demand rose and the idea of making a business out of it came up and turned the hobby into a business.

What would you say has been your biggest learning curve since beginning your business?

I think the move to Canada was very significant for me in many levels, of course, also business wise.

From a successful small local business I opened up to the big world, opened a ETSY shop and the business jumped up a step.

I came to Canada a little more than a year ago and I’m still in the process of learning, enjoying the road very much.

Where do you get inspiration for developing new products?

My great inspiration comes from nature and from working with children. I love hiking and I always discover something that amaze me. I can find myself looking at ants for a long time, or looking for the magical shapes hidden in the flowers. Nature allows our imagination to fly freely. In children the connection to the world of imagination is more natural and present, watching a child playing fascinates me no less.

How long does the average item take for you to create?

I sew a lot of animals. The average time for sewing an animal will vary from one hour to one and a half hours.

Do you have a favourite item in your store?

I think so. I really like my secret gnome.

Seeing how this tiny gnome makes adults and children such a big excitement – It’s a big pleasure. It is also one of my first products.

City Living or Country Dwelling?

Definitely country Dwelling. I like to get up early, hear the birds, smell the morning dew (yes, it has a smell) and the closeness to nature fills me and widens my heart.

Find Hila’s wonderous creations at the Made in Canada Market on September 23rd, or you can check out her social channels online!

I am a work-at-home mom of two boys with a wonderfully supportive husband. I’ve been creative my whole life but fell into the belief that a living couldn’t be made from the arts so I tried my hand at many other jobs. None of them really stuck so I am happy to have this opportunity to be home for my kids and do what I love. I am proud to say one of my pieces was published in Pyrography magazine last year!

Can you describe your process and how long it takes to produce a piece?

There are several steps for creating my pieces. The first step is usually creating the design or image that will go on the wood. Most of this is done by hand and some is done on the computer. The next step is making sure the wood is prepared by cutting it to size and then sanding it. Sanding is important to ensure a nice, smooth surface for an even burn. I then transfer the design onto the wood with graphite paper. The next step, the burning, is the most fun! Then, depending on the piece, a finish is applied to the wood to seal it. Most bookmarks don’t take too long and I can get several done in one day. Other, larger or more detailed pieces, like lazy susan’s, clocks, or signs can take a couple of days to complete.

Describe your work-space and what your top tools are.

I wish I had a dedicated work space but unfortunately there are several spaces I use throughout the house to do my work. The garage is where I do the cutting and most of the major sanding. The designing, drawing, and burning is done in the living room, so I am still part of the family if I’m working when they’re home. Product shots are taken in another room that has the best natural lighting. Light sanding, assembly, and applying finish is done in a workroom in the basement. This room is where I store my wood pieces, both unfinished and finished and where I package pieces for shipping. Some days I can be seen moving between all the floors of the house to get the work done.

I have a couple of burning machines. They use tools with attachments called pens. Each pen has a different tip that heats up and allows me to create different looks, texture and shading in my work.

Do you receive many custom orders and if so, how much input do clients have?

Yes! I love doing special orders. Customers have great ideas and creativity and it can be a lot of fun to work with them on their project. I do as much back and forth with clients as they need to get it just the way they want it. Many special requests have become some of my favourite pieces and it’s nice to know the piece I have created means something to them and will be treasured for years to come.

Do you ever make anything for yourself?

No, not for myself. But I do make things for my family. I created a special clock to celebrate my husband’s 10th work anniversary, and a medieval growth chart, and bookmarks for my kids. I do have one piece on my wall that was originally for sale in my Etsy shop but I loved it too much to let it go. So, in a way, I guess I did make that one for me.

Did you take classes to learn the skills you utilize or are these self taught practices of trial and error?

When I discovered and started wood burning there were no classes available and very few books on the subject. I knew nothing about it and learned by trying and experimenting on my own. I later joined groups on Etsy and Facebook and learned by observing what other artists were doing and talking with them about techniques and burning in general. There is constantly something new to learn or a different technique to try so I will always be growing in this craft.

Find Maya’s burnt masterpieces at our Made in Canada Market on September 23rd or you can follow her social channels online!

If you’re in the market for an inspiring and beautiful piece of jewellery, Amanda Brittin is your go-to! Read on to find out more about Amanda and how she comes up with her creations..

Please tell us a bit about yourself and one interesting fact.

I work with hammer and torch to create hand-forged rustic sterling silver, bronze and gemstone jewelry. With a background in Anthropology and Archaeology, I am very influenced by the jewelry pieces that have been excavated from ancient Roman and Viking sites and this has been the source of inspiration for my recent “Unearthed” series of bronze and silver work.

Although I no longer work in Archaeology, I still occasionally design and install museum exhibitions!

How Does your work reflect your personality and overall approach to life?

Form and function are very important to me! When I go about my day to day life, the pieces of art that I enjoy the most are the things that I “use”, the functional things that are handmade and beautiful and I can enjoy as more than just a piece of art on the wall. I love my visual art too, but I get the most pleasure out of things that I can actually use; things like my hand-thrown tea pot, my funky mosaic toothbrush holder and my lovely hand-made bird feeders. Over my years as an artisan making a big variety of artwork, from floorcloths to mosaics, concrete sculpture to jewelry, this has always been the thing that informed my work – make stuff that is useful and beautiful, whether it is personal adornment or a mat in front of a kitchen sink.

What would you say has been your biggest learning curve since beginning your business?

One of the more challenging aspects of business is to keep on top of business development. I may make beautiful jewelry, but unless I can get it out there in the public eye, no one will appreciate it and sales will not happen. Keeping up with daily activity in social media and maintaining frequent contact with clients has been something that I have had to become quite disciplined with. I have noticed that when I am really busy with other things and don’t keep up with my Etsy listings, Instagram and Facebook feeds, my business can really lag. I have developed a pattern now, where I choose a certain time of day and make sure to post or be active at that time!

How long does the average item take for you to create?

The average sterling silver and gemstone ring will take me several hours to design, but once I know what I want to create, the actual time to make it is usually 2-3 hours. I find that the sketching and mulling over of a design idea is a time consuming part. Once I have solved the problem or come up with creative idea, then execution of that idea comes together fairly fast. Of course, there are always a few pieces that can take a whole day!

Describe your work-space and your top tools are.

I have a very small and joyful studio space that is connected to my house. It is only 9×11 feet in size and I pack a lot in there! I have two work benches set a different heights so that I sit at one and stand at the other. All my electrical equipment and my torch for jewelry-making are attached to these two benches. A floor to ceiling set of shelving lines one wall for shipping and packaging and my music system. My products are nicely set up in a little alcove to the side for clients to shop. I still manage to bring in a couple of lovely plants and have some great artwork on my colourful walls. My favourite aspect of my studio is that I have set up several bird feeders outside my big studio window and I have a pond out beyond those – what a view! How could this not bring joy to me as I work away creating jewelry?

Do you receive many custom orders and if so, how much input do clients have?

I think that the biggest reason for my success is my willingness to work on custom jewelry, largely driven by clients’ special requests. Even an Etsy inquiry as general as, “I saw this rounded triangular ring on my last trip to Latvia…could you make something like that?” will get my creativity flowing and I will try it out for a client with no expectation. Sometimes it works, sometimes it is not quite right, but the times that it is perfect and the client is thrilled, that makes it all worthwhile. I love to experiment and have no interest in mass production work, even though it is more financially feasible, so customized orders are my main business! I would say that customized and made-to-order account for half my business!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I am an avid bird-watcher and traveler with a passion for hiking in the American southwest. If I have a bit of free time during the week, I love to enjoy the wonderful forest tracts in York Region and will head out with a friend for a hike! I usually take my camera as there are almost always birds to see and capturing one or two on a hike makes the outing just perfect!

You can find Amanda’s gorgeous creations at our Made in Canada Market on September 23rd or you can follow her online!